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If you want to use emacs to create and edit a new file (let’s call it hello.cpp), then on a terminal, type:

$ emacs hello.cpp

Once emacs is open, you can start editing the file immediately. To move around, use the arrow keys.

emacs commands usually take the form C-x C-c. This means press and hold the control key while pressing the x key, then next press and hold the control key while pressing the c key. In contrast, the command C-x 1 means press and hold the control and x keys, then release both and then press the 1 key.

Some useful commands are:

• C-x C-c closes emacs
• C-x C-s saves the current file
• C-x 1 closes all other panes except the current one (you can use this close the help panel)
• C-g at any point in a command will cancel the command
• C-k "kills" or cuts the current line, and C-y "yanks" or pastes the line back at the cursor location